BNP leader Nick Griffin drank beer and nibbled crisps with his five-strong security team in the Oxford Union's Morris room while waiting to speak.

He said he felt fine ahead of the controversial forum, but would not be surprised if someone threw a bag of flour at him.

He said he had been more nervous in 1980 when he last visited Oxford as a member of Cambridge University's boxing team. On that occasion, the young undergraduate managed to win his lightweight bout in 48 seconds.

Mr Griffin was unconcerned by the protest outside the building.

He said: "I'm used to it. It's water off a duck's back."

Asked about the appearance of writer David Irving, who was jailed in Austria for denying that the German Nazi regime in the Second World War murdered millions of Jews, Mr Griffin said: "Anyone who said the Holocaust did not happen is barking mad."

He had arrived at 5.30pm, in a pink taxi - three hours ahead of the debate on the advice of the Union and Thames Valley Police.

Mr Irving also arrived early and avoided the protesters who later gathered outside.

He said: "I didn't see any protesters at all. I think they should read my books to find out what they are all about."